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Mom’s Cheap and Easy Goulash: A Culinary Time Capsule

The scent of browning ground beef, laced with garlic and Italian seasoning, instantly transports me back to our bustling kitchen. My mom, with her ever-present apron and a symphony of clanking pots, would whip up this goulash on weeknights when time (and budget) were tight. It wasn’t fancy, but it was pure comfort – a steaming bowl of cheesy, meaty goodness that somehow made everything feel alright. To this day, a bite of this dish is a warm hug from the past.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Dietary Type: Not specified, but easily adaptable to gluten-free

Ingredients

1 (7 1/4 ounce) box Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon butter
1 (16 ounce) can Hunts tomato sauce

Equipment Needed

Large skillet or pot
Colander

Instructions

First, cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Be sure to reserve the cheese packet from the macaroni and cheese box for later use. This is key to the creamy, cheesy element of the goulash.
While the macaroni is cooking, in a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. As the beef cooks, add the chopped onion, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes. Break up the ground beef with a spoon or spatula as it cooks to ensure even browning.
Continue cooking the ground beef mixture until the ground beef is completely cooked through and no longer pink. The onions should also be softened and translucent. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it thoroughly using a colander. Make sure to remove as much excess water as possible.
Return the drained macaroni to the pot (or skillet if it’s large enough). Add the tomato sauce, butter, and the reserved cheese packet from the macaroni and cheese.
Mix the macaroni, tomato sauce, butter, and cheese packet until everything is well combined and the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy. This may take a minute or two of stirring.
Add the cooked ground beef mixture to the macaroni and cheese mixture.
Stir everything together until the ground beef is evenly distributed throughout the goulash.
Serve hot! This goulash is best enjoyed immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Browning the Beef: Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the ground beef. Overcrowding can cause the beef to steam instead of brown, which will affect the flavor and texture. Cook the beef in batches if necessary.
Spice Level: The 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick to the goulash. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more red pepper flakes to taste. For a milder flavor, you can omit them altogether.
Cheese Packet Variation: The cheese packet from the boxed macaroni and cheese is the traditional choice, but you can substitute it with about a half cup of shredded cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese blend for a richer flavor.
Boosting the Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the ground beef mixture while it’s browning.
Vegetable Power: Sneak in some extra veggies by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to the ground beef mixture as it cooks.
Deglazing the Pan: After browning the ground beef, deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth or red wine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This goulash is fantastic served hot, straight from the pot. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a nice finishing touch. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing is also an option. Allow the goulash to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	308 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	15.7 g	24%
Saturated Fat	6.9 g	34%
Cholesterol	84.4 mg	28%
Sodium	1069.2 mg	44%
Total Carbohydrate	15.2 g	5%
Dietary Fiber	2.5 g	10%
Sugars	6.3 g	N/A
Protein	26.4 g	52%

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free macaroni and cheese box. Most major brands offer gluten-free alternatives.
Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat crumbles.
Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Cheesier: Stir in additional shredded cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack, for an even cheesier goulash.
Tomato Variety: Experiment with different types of tomato sauce, such as marinara or tomato-basil, for variations in flavor.
Pasta Shapes: While macaroni is traditional, you can use other small pasta shapes like shells, elbows, or rotini.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of the cheese packet?
A: Yes, you can substitute the cheese packet with about 1/2 cup of your favorite shredded cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses work well.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the goulash ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before reheating and serving.

Q: What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
A: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can use a combination of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this goulash?
A: Yes, feel free to add other vegetables such as diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to the ground beef mixture as it cooks.

Q: How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
A: To prevent the pasta from sticking together, rinse it with cold water after draining and add it to the sauce immediately. Also, avoid overcooking the pasta.

Final Thoughts

Mom’s Cheap and Easy Goulash is more than just a recipe; it’s a memory, a feeling, a taste of home. Its simplicity is its strength, and its adaptability allows you to make it your own. I encourage you to try this recipe, put your own spin on it, and share it with the people you love. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with family, this goulash is sure to hit the spot. Consider pairing it with some crusty bread and a simple side salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

Mom’s Cheap and Easy Goulash Recipe